Shirin Jaafari

Reporter

Shirin Jaafari is a reporter for The World focusing on the Middle East. She has covered conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine. Her reporting focuses on current events, politics, conflict and human rights. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Harvard’s Extension School. Before joining The World, Shirin worked for the BBC in Washington, DC. Shirin was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists in 2009 and she received an honorable mention from the Gracie Award in 2022 for her coverage of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.When not filing for radio, she can be found hiking and camping in the mountains.You can find her on Twitter @Shirinj.

Israel cuts off aid to Gaza, raising concerns about meeting dire humanitarian needs in the region

March 7, 2025Conflict & Justice

Israel has blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing Hamas’ rejection of a new proposal to extend the ceasefire. Hamas has expressed reservations about the plan because it does not include a commitment from Israel to end the war or fully withdraw its troops. Humanitarian groups warn that cutting off aid now could sabotage the progress made in Gaza since the start of the ceasefire back in January.

A father-daughter duo brings an ancient art form to Instagram

March 4, 2025Arts, Culture & Media

Many Palestinians in Gaza have no homes left to return to

January 24, 2025Israel-Hamas war

They were part of Afghanistan’s first-ever all-female flight. Then their lives were turned upside down.

January 16, 2025Conflict & Justice

What we know about the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas

January 15, 2025Israel-Hamas war

Exclusive: A conversation with the commander of the US-backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces

December 18, 2024Syria

The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Syrian Democratic Forces commander General Mazloum Abdi in an exclusive interview about what’s next for the Kurdish group as Syria transitions into post-Assad rule.

Syrian prison offers a glimpse into Assad’s brutal rule

December 13, 2024Syria

Sednaya prison in Damascus was once synonymous with death and disappearance. Yet over the past week, thousands of families rushed to the prison in the hope of finding their missing loved ones. Many left with no answer.

‘We are experiencing a taste of freedom’: Syrians react to President Bashar al-Assad’s downfall

December 9, 2024Syria

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country and, for the first time in two decades, Syrians say they are experiencing a taste of freedom. Assad brutally repressed a popular uprising, which started in 2011. His forces killed, tortured and imprisoned those who spoke out against the government. Some Syrians share about what his departure means to them.

Women in Afghanistan can no longer attend medical institutes

December 9, 2024Afghanistan

A new directive from the Taliban bans women from studying dentistry, nursing and midwifery. The group, which took over the country by force in 2021 after the US withdrawal, also reportedly prevents women from getting treatment from male doctors unless a male guardian is present. Human rights activists say they are worried about what these restrictions mean for the future of Afghan women’s health.

In Gaza, people find moments of normalcy, joy and resilience despite the horrors of war

November 21, 2024Israel-Hamas war

There is likely no one among the more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza who hasn’t been touched by war in some way. Over 43,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, and many have been injured and displaced. Most of Gaza lies in ruins. Yet, people are persevering and nurturing each other when and where they can.